ADR-006: Mutation Side Effects

Tag

#adr_006

Status

Accepted

Date

2026-01-22

Scope

ModularityKit.Mutators.Abstractions.Effects

Context

Mutations may produce side effects that are not direct state changes. Side effects allow tracking, classification by type and severity, and integration with monitoring, auditing, or alerting systems. Introducing this layer enables observation of the full impact of mutations and facilitates reactions to undesired side effects.

Decision

SideEffect

Responsibilities:

• Represent a single side effect generated by a mutation.
• Store type, description, data, severity, timestamp, and a RequiresAction flag.
• Provide factories to create standard and critical side effects (Create and Critical).

SideEffectSeverity

• Info, Warning, Error, Critical — define the severity of the side effect and the need for reaction or intervention.

Design Rationale

• Separating side effects from the main mutation allows independent logging, auditing, and monitoring.
• Enables defining critical actions that require intervention without modifying state.
• Simplifies integration with observability and security systems.